Paisa Vasool review and rating : Balakrishna and Puri make a royal mess for a movie

Paisa Vasool is a Telugu movie starring Nandamuri Balakrishna in the lead role. The title of the film is the philosophy of makers about cinema. There is a concept that started in India 1970’s called paisa vasool (worth of money) and it is exactly the time when cinema started to get degraded. Before 1970’s Indian cinema thrived on realism of society and mythological stories. The concept of a hero who is an underdog criminal with a tragic background to create audience’s sympathy was the foundational brick on paisa vasool philosophy. Sheer mindless films where the hero is a demi-god who can make everything in the world alright by either fighting or shouting.

Unlike rest of the world south Indian film-makers have not able to move on or make sense out of cinema hence the thinking that something called paisa vasool exists. Puri Jagannadh is known for making commercial hits and Balakrishna has tried his level best to impress Puri’s audience though he has failed miserably. Story of the film revolves around Kabir Bedi trying to find an impeccable goon as a groom for her sister. He gets the reference of Theda Singh (Balakrishna) who is known for his reckless attitude and menacing deeds.

Instead of marrying Shriya Sarin, Theda Singh decides to rob Kabir Bedi blind. Less like a screenplay, the story works more like a bunch of gags. A dance sequence and then an action sequence is basically the narrative this film thrives on. Music of the film is outlandishly loud and does not make any sense for a sane soul. Balakrishna’s fan following is the only thing which will get some audience in the theaters.

Puri Jagannadh’s direction is right in his own style and filmography but it does not deserve a review. Fandom is the food for these films and the ones who are going to watch it must have decided when the film was announced. Trailer and songs are appealing for no one who would suddenly get inspired to watch this film in a cinema hall. Overall Paisa Vasool is for fans and not genuine cinema fanatics.